What Reduced The Risk Of Preterm Birth?

The Cochrane review found several interventions that had clear benefit in reducing the risk of preterm birth.

Specifically, they found the following had clear benefits in reducing preterm birth for specific women:

The midwifery-led continuity models of care as opposed to other models of care

Screening pregnant women for lower genital tract infections (UTIs, STIs, etc.) and treating them, as needed. Untreated infection is a known risk factor for preterm birth; however, some minor infections can go unnoticed by a pregnant woman.

Zinc supplementation, for women without systematic illness

A cervical stitch (cerclage), for women at high risk of preterm birth, and pregnant with only one baby

In addition, the following showed possible benefit in reducing preterm birth in some groups of women:

Group antenatal (prenatal) care, for all pregnant women

Antibiotic treatment, for women with bacteria present but no symptoms of obvious infection (asymptomatic bacteriuria)

Pharmaceutical interventions for smoking cessation

Vitamin D supplements, for women without health problems

It is equally important to note, the review didn’t find any interventions with clear, known risk.

However, they did find a few things that have potential risks. These include:

Intramuscular progesterone injections, for women at high risk of preterm birth while pregnant with multiples

Taking vitamin D supplements, calcium or other minerals, where there were no health problems or deficiencies

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Maria Pyanov CPD, CCECONTRIBUTOR

Maria Silver Pyanov is a mama of four energetic boys and one unique little girl. She is also a doula and childbirth educator. She's an advocate for birth options, and adequate prenatal care and support. She believes in the importance of rebuilding the village so no parent feels unsupported.

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